Motel One Edinburgh-Royal

Motel One Edinburgh-Royal is a budget design hotel on Market Street, close to Waverley station and the Royal Mile. Motel One is a German chain known for affordable, stylish rooms in central locations, and the Edinburgh-Royal hotel follows that formula while giving the interiors a Scottish twist: historical on the outside and modern within.

The design draws on the Scottish Highlands, with a rustic yet regal feel, botanical touches, a reception wall planted with real ferns and mosses, sheep sculptures and photographs by Thomas Effinger. The One Lounge serves drinks and snacks and has a light fitting made from 50 whisky decanters, a nod to Scotland's national drink. Room types include standard rooms, rooms for single travellers, rooms with a view, family rooms and accessible rooms. Free Wi-Fi and hypoallergenic pillows and duvets are standard.

Breakfast is a healthy buffet with organic products and Fairtrade coffee, served from 6am to 10am on weekdays and from 7am to 11am at weekends and on public holidays. Check-in is from 3pm and check-out is by noon, and luggage storage is free. Children up to 12 stay free in their parents' room, and pets are welcome by arrangement with the hotel. Guests can opt out of daily housekeeping. There is no on-site parking; the hotel points guests to the Omni Q-Park, about 15 minutes' walk away, with a discount when booked in advance.

Note that Edinburgh's visitor levy applies to hotel stays: Motel One states that a city tax of 5% of the net accommodation price applies for stays from 24 July 2026, so factor this into your budget.

Motel One suits budget-conscious couples, solo travellers and families wanting a central base without paying for extras they will not use. Its location is excellent for sightseeing: Waverley station is within walking distance, the Royal Mile is a short climb up Cockburn Street, and Princes Street and the New Town are just across the valley. The City Art Centre and the Fruitmarket gallery are on the same street, and the castle, St Giles' Cathedral and Calton Hill can all be reached on foot. The hotel lists the Bank of Scotland bus stop as its nearest public transport.